Please help me choose a dutch oven

[MixedFamily]

Would like to treat myself to a dutch oven, possibly a Le Creuset or a Staub one, hopefully they will last forever. As it's a significant expense though, I'd like to understand a few things before investing.

• Firstly, which one is better, LC or Staub? and why?
• What size would be recommended to regularly cook for 3-4 people but with the occasional guests staying over for dinner (so up to 6 people occasionally)
• Things we like to eat/cook often: curries, pasta, risoto, soups. Don't cook much meat. Based on this, what shape would be better for us, the shallow/wide casserole or a classic dutch oven?
• Can I use it in the dishwasher? LC and Staub websites say that occasionally you can but what does this mean? Like once a week or twice a year? I have a very tiny sink and hate the washing up so would like to be able to use the dishwasher regularly, will that ruin it?

Staub is far better quality and a 28cm would be perfect for your needs! Enjoy :)

Sorry, not sure how to edit my post but technically you aren't supposed to put either in a dishwasher (I have both Le Creuset and Staub), however I'm too lazy and put everything in so I'd say that there's no difference on that front. Staub is better by miles (thicker, sturdier, heavier, better materials...)

@Vella Thank you! Didn't realise there was so much difference between the two, I assumed it was mainly cosmetic.
How long have you had yours for and have you noticed any damage by using the dishwasher? LC definitely says that although not preferable, dishwasher can be used occasionally. I just want to understand what happens if I use it often as I do not wish to throw £300 away by making silly mistakes

I had some LC items, but they are extremely heavy before any food goes in them ! Also, mine specifically said do not put in a DW.
Do bear that in mind.

@MixedFamily not sure how long I've had them but between 8-15yrs. None of them have deteriorated with the dishwasher (or maybe they all have but it's consistent!). I tend to store them with their lids upside down though but the little scratches show on both brands. To be fair I find Staub more robust but the colours aren't as pretty. I had some ceramic Lc lasagna type dishes but one of the recipes called for a glass of water to make gravy and it cracked the whole dish so I've kept with Staub. Disclaimer: I live in France, Le Creuset has a bad reputation and is behind Staub and Emile Henry

I'm not sure how to send a photo but I have both brands in both sizes so feel free to ask !

I had a Le Creuset when I was first married and although they were expensive then they were not a ridiculous price as they are now. After 15 years the enamel wore away at the base and I threw it away. I have had several other brands over the years , mostly bought on holiday in France and I can honestly say that Le Creuset was no better than any of them. I eventually gave up using them as they are all incredibly heavy when they are full of food and I found them increasingly difficult to lift. I swapped my cast iron pans for a Green Pan aluminium dutch oven and it is excellent. I am a good cook and a fussy foodie; if you know what you are doing you don't need to take out a second mortgage for an expensive pan.

however I too have succumbed to an unnecessarily expensive gadget because of its beauty in my time. So if you can afford it, go with whatever you like

We have a lot of cast iron of many brands. If I may be blunt and brutal - I got a cheap French cast iron coated inside for like £35 when I was teen in tkmaxx - i shove in the dishwasher, it cooks and bakes well, it washes well. I have both staub and cru and idk I'm not that bothered by them. Not to mention a collection of all sizes and colours I think staub the mini stuff. Never gets used, gathers dust. In their original boxes 😂

There's a cast iron I do want to try - it has a weird shape that apparently keeps heat better. I think it was cast iron. Let me find it.

I'm very blessed that my kitchens are nicely kitted out and I'm very thankful - but I find myself reaching for that tkmaxx shitty cast iron the most 😂 knowing it survives the dishwasher happily (20 years so far), although I put my staub pan in there all the time too but that requires seasoning after 🙄 so I use the le cru stainless steel instead 90% of the time as its dishwasher safe (and oven safe) so idk I'd rethink the fashion and consider practicality.